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DSF Chapter 56

Chapter 56

The washroom was similar to a public bathhouse, with twenty shower heads, each accompanied by a mirror, a wooden table, and a small stool.

On the table, there were various toiletries, and the stool was meant for seating while the showerhead required to be held by hand to spray.

Yan Yibing had never taken a bath in front of others before, but since Han Mo had carried him out, he must have seen him naked.

He sat quietly on the stool, facing the mirror, and rinsed off the shampoo with water.

The slippery foam rolled down his skin as he opened his eyes under the continuous streams of water. Through the mirror, he saw that Han Mo was still wearing a bathrobe, standing not far away.

The white bathrobe was draped loosely over Han Mo’s shoulders, the collar half open, revealing a small patch of toned skin.

The washroom was misty, and he remained wet throughout, wearing a bathrobe must be uncomfortable for Han Mo.

However, Han Mo showed no signs of discomfort, he just occasionally raised his eyes to the small window and took a deep breath.

“Aren’t you going to wash?” Yan Yibing asked in confusion.

Han Mo spoke softly, his voice slightly hoarse, “I’ll wash in the room later.”

Yan Yibing shook his head, squeezed some orange-scented shower gel, and rubbed it on his body. “I remember you’re from the north, don’t northerners usually not mind bathing together?”

“I’m not used to sitting down to bathe,” Han Mo mumbled.

Northerners may not mind bathing with others, but he couldn’t do it now.

If he took off his bathrobe, Yan Yibing would surely notice his unspoken desire.

No matter how hard he pinched his thighs or recited Buddhist scriptures in his mind, it was futile.

When he carried Yan Yibing out, he saw it—the obedient, quiet, rosy little ball.

So cute.

The skin there was fair, and its color was light. The hot spring water, stimulating it, caused it to swell a bit, and it developed quite nicely.

His head was now filled with pornographic waste. If it weren’t for the cool breeze from the window, he feared his brain would shut down directly, handing over thinking rights to his lower body.

Yan Yibing hesitated, “Then… you go back first?”

Han Mo gave him a meaningful glance, “I’ll wait for you, afraid you’ll faint.”

“Oh.”

Yan Yibing was also feeling uncomfortable, so he quickly rinsed off the shower gel and stepped barefoot on the wooden floor, leaving a series of deep footprints.

He went to the cabinet and took out a bathrobe, wrapping it tightly around himself.

In the washroom, the air was filled with the scent of oranges and a subtle, humid warmth.

Han Mo pressed his tongue to his cheek, and his Adam’s apple rolled once.

He would probably never forget this scene.

He closed the door to the washroom and followed Yan Yibing back to the room, keeping a certain distance between them.

As Yan Yibing reached the door, using the bathrobe to dry his hair, he cheerfully said, “Thanks for earlier.”

His skin had completely regained its fair complexion, the rosy hue on his cheeks faded, and he looked energetic.

Han Mo’s gaze trembled slightly, and he softly said, “There’s a stray hair.”

“Where?” Yan Yibing asked, puzzled.

“Come here.” Han Mo extended a finger, and as Yan Yibing approached, gently rubbed his fingertip against the base of his collarbone.

The soft and warm skin had actually not a single stray hair.

Han Mo rubbed his fingertip and said calmly, “Alright, the bathrobe is just not very good quality.”

Yan Yibing had no suspicions whatsoever. He didn’t mind that when Han Mo helped him, he accidentally pulled the collar down a bit, exposing half of his collarbone.

He kindly said, “Go to bed early. We have to go back to China tomorrow.”

“Okay.” Han Mo returned to his room and tossed his wet bathrobe on the sofa.

He still had a strong scent of herbal soup on him. Now that the water had evaporated, his body was a little sticky.

He stepped into the shower stall, turned on the water, and while thinking about Yan Yibing’s pink body, he relieved his unspeakable desire.

Early the next morning, everyone was eager to get home.

After more than eight hours of travel, they finally landed at the Magic City Airport.

At the airport, they bid farewell to each other and went their separate ways.

Everyone was a little uncomfortable adjusting back to the high-intensity training life.

Yan Yibing often woke up late these days, but after being sternly reprimanded by his coach, he got his act together and was the first to arrive.

One morning, a certain day a week later, his phone buzzed with a reminder.

Yan Yibing glanced at it, feeling a bit dazed.

Holding his phone, he avoided Song Tang and the others, going alone to the meeting room to make a call.

“Yakang Flower Shop? I would like to order a bouquet of white lilies and calla lilies to be delivered to Xishan Cemetery for me.”

“Do you have a membership with our store?”

“Yes, my name is Yan Yibing.”

“Ah, found it. You ordered bouquets from us last year and the year before. Would you like them delivered in the evening this year to avoid the families of the deceased?”

“This year… no need. Deliver it at noon, when the sun is at its brightest.”

“Okay, I’ll send you the payment QR code.”

After placing the order, Yan Yibing tossed his phone on the table and pulled out a chair, lazily lighting a cigarette.

The smoke wafted in front of him, the rich scent irritated his throat slightly.

After finishing a cigarette, he patted the scent off his body, picked up the phone, and left the meeting room as if nothing had happened.

Sitting in front of the computer screen, he abandoned all distractions and began to focus on practicing.

After another hour of practice, Song Tang invited him for lunch, but Yan Yibing felt a bit sleepy, so he waved his hand and went back to his room.

He was just about to take a nap when, in a half-awake state, Liang Hefeng called.

Yan Yibing answered in a daze. Before he could speak, Liang Hefeng said anxiously, “Bing, did you contact acquaintances in the commentary circle like I asked? The East Asia Championship is about to begin, and I want to seize this opportunity.”

Rubbing his temples, Yan Yibing reluctantly sat up, muttering, “Oh, forgot to tell you. Lemon might not work out; they’re looking for fresh-faced guys under twenty. Now Yu Yan introduced me to someone, who also runs a club. They specialize in recommending commentators, but I’m not very familiar with him. I’ll pass you his WeChat, and you can talk to him.”

Liang Hefeng: “…Okay.”

He was actually a bit disappointed.

For him, this was such an important matter, but Yan Yibing had only been playing around and had forgotten to tell him.

And this person was introduced by Yu Yan, which meant that he was not very familiar with Yan Yibing and would not be able to get any special treatment.

Liang Hefeng knew that his age was not much of an advantage. He had thought that by putting aside his pride and relying on Yan Yibing, the only person he could depend on, he could find an alternative path to reach the peak of his career.

However, the reality was much harsher than he had imagined.

“I’ve passed him to you. You can check it out. I’m a bit tired, so I’ll go to sleep first.”

Yan Yibing was still in a daze and didn’t hear the disappointment in Liang Hefeng’s voice. After hanging up the phone, he collapsed onto the bed and drifted back to sleep.

Liang Hefeng squeezed his phone and swallowed the words he hadn’t finished saying.

Behind him, his mother cursed at the top of her lungs, “Look at the dog shit friends you’ve made! Look at his arrogant attitude. He just doesn’t want to help you. You’re no longer on the same level as him. Wake up!”

Liang Hefeng grabbed his hair in frustration. “Bing has already introduced me to a boss. Can you please calm down?”

Mother Liang sneered, “Introduced a boss? You still have to go through an interview, and the other party still has a chance of firing you! I told you to stick to Yan Yibing. Isn’t it said that the entire Zero Club is relying on him alone? Then he can bring you back to play the game without any problems. Who can refuse him? He doesn’t do it because he doesn’t want to!”

Liang Hefeng sighed, annoyed, “The esports industry isn’t what you think. At twenty-five, it’s impossible to compete anymore. Don’t you understand?”

Mother Liang retorted, “Isn’t Yan Yibing twenty-five? You know everything. Why did you drop out of school to do this nonsense in the first place? It’d be better for you to go to college and find a job. Our family would be more stable!”

Liang Hefeng said angrily, “Even if I casually attend some mediocre college and find an ordinary job, can it match the money I’m making now? Do you know they earn only a few thousand yuan a month? I earn that much in a single livestream!”

Mother Liang said coldly, “Their jobs are stable, something they can do for a lifetime. What about yours? Who will still watch your live stream when you’re thirty?”

Liang Hefeng’s face darkened, and he fell silent.

He had to admit that his mother had a point.

Even though he was still in good shape now, his live streaming income could also meet the needs of a relatively luxurious lifestyle.

But this money had to last him a lifetime. What if he had no more fans in the future? What if he no longer understood the trends of the younger generation, what would happen?

No one would want to watch an old man play games.

Only the salaries of top-tier professional players could sustain a glamorous life for a lifetime.

He was still far from that level.

Liang Hefeng pocketed his phone, glanced at the medicine on the bed used to treat his mother’s mental state, and muttered, “I’m going out for a smoke.”

Prince Club Business Office

Manager Ding Jun smiled brightly at the man in front of him.

“I’m truly sorry, but our Han Shen’s sports apparel endorsement has already been signed. It was signed two weeks ago, for a three-month contract. If you really want to cooperate, you can come back and ask in three months.”

Ding Jun heard the news from Sun Tianjiao, mentioning that Han Shi, this brand, thought highly of itself and made quite audacious demands. It seemed that several teams had been visited, but Ding Jun didn’t expect the CEO of Han Shi to come last to Prince.

Ding Jun still had a bit of a competitive mentality.

Did they go to Zero first and then last to Prince just because they found them not standing high enough?

So, as soon as the other party brought it up, Ding Jun was ready to smile and send them away.

Han Tang crossed his legs and flicked the cigarette ash off his fingertips, saying nonchalantly, “What do you mean, you’re refusing me before I even give you a price?”

Ding Jun, with a forced smile, “It’s because we’ve already signed a contract. We can’t breach it. Otherwise, you can try other clubs, like Zero?”

Han Tang, unaware that Sun Tianjiao and Ding Jun had communicated privately, lowered his eyes and said angrily, “I did. Their terms are purely money-grabbing. They demand eight million for a one-year contract. Do they think they’re top-tier celebrities?”

Prince and Zero were esports clubs of equal status. Han Tang’s disparagement of Zero was a clear warning to Ding Jun.

Ding Jun curled his lips, not bothering to argue, “Then there’s also CNG and AXE. You can ask them all.”

He actually knew that Han Tang had hit a wall with these clubs as well. Mentioning them was just to provoke Han Tang.

Han Tang raised his eyes and stared at Ding Jun for a few seconds, “I’m negotiating with you now. Why are you talking about so many irrelevant things?”

Ding Jun straightforwardly said, “We can’t sign here.”

He was quite satisfied with the current endorsement they had signed. The other party was very respectful of Han Mo and had enough sincerity.

The advertising hadn’t even started shooting, but they were already promoting Han Mo on the official website, promising to feature him on various major platforms.

And this brand was considered to be high-end, so it wouldn’t lower Han Mo’s value.

Ding Jun also knew a lot about Han Shi.

It was a popular brand with low quality and high sales.

He knew that the CEO sitting in front of him was very wealthy, but Han Tang seemed overly arrogant. He coveted the esports market but didn’t take esports players seriously.

Han Tang sighed lightly, and waved his hand at Ding Jun, “I won’t talk to you. Call Han Mo out, and I’ll talk to him.”

Ding Jun’s smile slowly faded.

He now envied Sun Tianjiao’s ability to throw a tantrum; it was the most effective way to deal with this kind of nouveau riche.

“Our team captain is busy with training, and besides, he’s not in charge of business. I can make decisions.”

Han Tang tapped the tabletop with his fingertips, in a tone of reprimanding a subordinate, “Do you know why I came here personally? I’m his father!”

Coincidentally, Chen Zefeng was passing by the door with a yogurt in hand. Hearing Han Tang’s arrogant tone, Chen Zefeng’s brain heated up, and he barged into the room.

“You’re my grandson!”

They had encountered numerous haters during their live broadcasts. People cursed and complained about everything, but through the internet, it was all taken with a grain of salt. However, the person who came today had crossed the line, bringing the insults offline, not even recognizing whose territory they were in. There was no sense of restraint at all.

Han Tang widened his eyes and looked at Chen Zefeng, evidently not expecting that in a club of this level, staff could freely insult others.

Han Tang stood up, and slammed his briefcase onto the table, “Go find Han Mo and see if he recognizes me!”

Chen Zefeng sneered, and took a sip of yogurt, “Our captain is not someone you can see just because you want to. Did you come here to chase stars under the guise of a business meeting? Sorry, find out for yourself. Our captain only plays games, no business.”

Han Tang: “I’m his father.”

Chen Zefeng laughed bitterly, wishing he could pour the yogurt on Han Tang’s head, “You…”

“Chen Zefeng, step aside.”

At some point, Han Mo appeared at the door.

His face was extremely cold, eyes harboring undisguised hostility, his tone icy.

Even though he was talking to Chen Zefeng, his gaze remained fixed on Han Tang, reflecting in-depth thoughts within those profound eyes.

Chen Zefeng obediently stepped aside, not doubting for a moment that the current Han Mo could swing a steel pipe at someone at any time.

Seeing Han Mo, Han Tang’s tone became much calmer, saying lightly, “Quite grand, isn’t it? It’s not easy to meet you now.”

Ding Jun, with a serious expression, whispered, “Han Shen, is he really…”

Han Mo leaned against the table, his long legs displaying a highly aggressive posture. He casually flicked the lighter open, lighting a menthol burst bead.

“Is there a reason you want to see me?”

Han Tang glanced at Han Mo’s posture, frowned slightly, but still patiently said, “Dad is preparing a set of esports-themed sportswear recently. The design is done, the factory has started production, and now it’s just about promotion. Originally, I didn’t plan to approach you, given our relationship. But your industry is too tumultuous, asking for sky-high prices but lacking substance.

I thought you should do it, and I can rest assured. It just happens that you have the East Asian Championship, and I need you to wear Han Shi’s sportswear during the game, do some promotion, and recommend it to your fans.

You also know, I only have you as a son. What I have now and in the future is all yours. You’re not just promoting for me; it’s for yourself too.”

Han Tang was not lying.

He and Zuo Yunshi had never had offspring.

It wasn’t that they couldn’t; Zuo Yunshi wasn’t willing.

Zuo Yunshi, born as a young lady, couldn’t bear hardships and was scared off by online childbirth horror stories. She resolutely refused to have children.

Han Tang was an in-law and couldn’t demand much from Zuo Yunshi. Although he felt unhappy, he had to show a tendency toward being childless, claiming he didn’t like children.

Over the years, Zuo Yunshi had gotten older, and he had completely stopped thinking about it.

In fact, there was only Han Mo as an heir.

For him, even though he had long lost affection for Han Mo’s mother, Han Mo was still different.

In the future, his fortune couldn’t be given to those nephews and nieces of the Zuo family; it had to be left to Han Mo.

This was also why he could confidently approach Han Mo.

Between father and son, there was no eternal enmity.

Han Mo should know that he was a father with a lot of face.

Han Mo exhaled a puff of smoke, the strong scent of mint chilling the air.

He calmly asked, “What about the offer?”

Han Tang frowned, seemingly dissatisfied that money was brought up so soon.

But Han Tang still said in a deep voice, “Two million is the company’s budget. If it’s you, I can add another five hundred thousand, considering our father-son relationship.”

Ding Jun glanced at Han Mo, waiting for his opinion.

Han Mo sneered lightly, his eyelids drooping, the slender ends of his eyes lightly bending, casting a cold shadow from the dark strands of hair into the center of his pupils.

“Ding Ge, quote him the base price for my endorsement.”

Ding Jun adeptly reported, “After all, our Han Shen is the number one player on the league’s points leaderboard, with several million Weibo followers, live streaming reaching hundreds of millions in popularity. Just won the championship at the PCL National League. The current market price for endorsements is five million, provided there are no competitors. As you know, the East Asian Championship has great exposure. Let me put it this way: the current endorsement fee for us is higher than five million now. The specifics can’t be disclosed.”

Han Tang’s face immediately darkened, “Isn’t that too exaggerated? With so much money, we could get a top celebrity instead.”

Han Mo extinguished the cigarette, and stood up straight, “The entertainment company is four subway stops away. I’m not sending anyone.”

Han Tang roared lowly, “Han Mo! Do you understand what I mean? Sooner or later, everything is yours. What nonsense are you up to!”

Ding Jun chuckled, “Uncle, our Han Shen can easily earn tens of millions in a year, not to mention the income from investments and financial management. Taking care of himself is certainly not a problem. You might not be familiar with the financial situation of top esports players.”

Han Tang was slightly taken aback.

He knew that Han Mo had some fame in gaming, but how could he possibly earn this much just playing games in front of a computer?

Currently, Han Shi’s annual gross profit was only tens of millions, and it had to support the numerous relatives of the Zuo family who were difficult to please.

Han Tang snorted, “Are you joking? He’s just a nineteen-year-old brat.”

Ding Jun smiled faintly, “Indeed, a nineteen-year-old who is the cash cow of our team. Give it a few more years; who knows.”

Han Tang still didn’t believe it, “You’re giving him so much money. Can your club still operate?”

Ding Jun: “Perhaps the net profit of our club is several times that of your company.”

Han Mo lowered his gaze, and cast a disdainful glance at Han Tang, the corner of his lips curled, and he said mercilessly, “Two million for an endorsement, the price from ten years ago.”

Chen Zefeng whispered, “Captain, ten years ago, two million could buy an apartment in Magic City.”

Han Tang’s forehead veins suddenly jumped, a nerve suddenly twitching.

He suppressed his anger, snatched his briefcase, and stormed out of Prince.

Chen Zefeng, scared to speak, watched Han Tang leave and then looked blankly at Han Mo.

He had thought before that both of Han Mo’s parents had passed away.

Unexpectedly, Han Mo’s father was still alive, and he was a successful businessman.

Han Mo lowered his gaze, his fingers trembling imperceptibly.

Although there was no expression on his face, his pulse quickened by almost double.

All his anger was suppressed inside, and he muttered, “Forgive my rudeness.”

Ding Jun whispered, “Captain, actually, you didn’t need to come out. I could have persuaded him to leave.”

Han Mo shook his head, turned and said, “Chen Zefeng, aren’t you going back to training?”

Chen Zefeng snapped back to reality, stuttering, “I-I-I’ll go back right away!”

After sending Chen Zefeng back, Han Mo didn’t return to the training room. He took leave from Ding Jun and drove alone to Xishan Cemetery.

Two million, for him and Han Tang now, meant nothing.

But there was a time when he had yearned for this kind of money.

In the earlier years, when Han Mo’s mother’s illness wasn’t so severe, if she had received treatment earlier, maybe she could have been cured.

He had once camped at Han Tang’s doorstep for a week, unable to sleep or use the restroom, just to get a loan for his mother’s treatment.

He thought that since they were married, there should have been some affection.

Moreover, the one who had made the mistake was clearly Han Tang, and he was the one who had an affair.

A normal person would feel guilty.

But at that time, Han Tang fantasized about having a child with Zuo Yunshi, and didn’t take him seriously at all.

When he heard that the treatment cost two hundred thousand, Han Tang thought he was insane.

“Two hundred thousand, do you know how much that is? Enough for me to invest in a factory. You tell me that it’s only possible to cure with two hundred thousand; this is clearly a bottomless pit. Moreover, your mother and I are divorced. We have no relationship. Han Mo, as your father, I’m telling you, it’s useless.”

Han Mo was twelve years old back then, barely reaching Han Tang’s shoulder.

Being so young, no one would hire him, he was too unfamiliar with the rules and bottom line of this world. Other than begging Han Tang, he couldn’t think of anything else.

But Han Tang told him it was useless, not to save his mother; two hundred thousand wasn’t worth it.

He used every humble way, trampled on his self-esteem, and begged Han Tang and that Zuo Yunshi.

But they only saw him as a burden.

In the end, Han Tang gave him twenty yuan to buy KFC and said, “Back then, choosing your mom was your own choice. If you were with me, KFC would just be fast food that you don’t like. If you want to eat it, you can have it every day.”

Zuo Yunshi teased Han Tang, “What’s this? Do you want him? I won’t agree.”

Han Tang smiled and reassured her, “Just kidding. Isn’t it our baby who can’t wait?”

Zuo Yunshi murmured indistinctly, “I’m not ready to have one yet.”

Later, Han Mo’s mother drank Chinese medicine, tried folk remedies, and persisted for several years, but her condition worsened.

That period was the time when Han Mo was most superstitious.

He wished so much that those folk remedies were true, handed down by some old monk from an ancient temple, able to cure all difficult and miscellaneous diseases.

But hope remained just that – hope.

In fact, he was just a few years short of it.

If he had been born earlier, or if his mother had fallen ill a few years later, he would have been earning by now.

Then, things wouldn’t have led to this state.

Han Mo suddenly accelerated, and the wind fluttered through the car window, making a humming sound. The plants on both sides of the highway whizzed by, and the scorching sunlight melted the thick clouds into shredded napkins.

Arriving at the parking lot of Xishan Cemetery, Han Mo executed a drift, swinging the car into a parking space.

He took a deep breath, rested his forehead on the steering wheel for a moment, and then lifted his eyes again.

Locking the car, he carried a handful of white chrysanthemums from the trunk.

Coincidentally, today was the anniversary of his mother’s passing, yet Han Tang was making big speeches in front of him.

With the flowers in his arms, Han Mo suppressed his emotions and walked to the grave. His gaze dropped, catching sight of the blooming white lilies and calla lilies

He froze.

His mother had no other relatives; besides him, no one else would come to visit her.

Han Mo called the cemetery staff and asked if the flowers had been delivered incorrectly.

The staff checked the visitor information and said, “No mistake. They’re for Ms. Bei Jingzhu. Sent by a florist’s staff; I placed them beside the tombstone.”

Han Mo frowned, “Did you register the name of the person who sent the flowers?”

The staff shook their head, “It’s just the name of the flower shop. However, there is a phone number. You can call and ask.”

The staff wrote down the phone number for Han Mo and then returned to the surveillance room.

Han Mo looked at the number for a moment, silently tucked it into his pocket, and then placed the white chrysanthemums next to the white lilies.

The gravestone had some dust on it, but the stone was warmed by the sunlight.

It felt as if the warmth came from the person he missed.

“Mom, it’s been a long time. Do you miss me?”

No one answered.

The sun was scorching, and the only sound in his ears was the rustling of leaves in the wind.

He stood in front of the grave for three hours. When his legs felt sore and aching, Han Mo walked back to the car.

The sky was getting dark, the air was not as hot, and the orange remnants of the setting sun scattered across the sky, gradually absorbed by the horizon.

Han Mo dialed the phone number.

“Hello, may I ask who paid for the flowers delivered to Xishan Cemetery today?”

“Sorry, sir, this is customer privacy, and we cannot disclose it.” The customer service replied in a very robotic manner.

Han Mo paused, solemnly stating, “The name on the card was wrong. Was it misinformation from the buyer or your mistake?”

She checked the records, then hurriedly said, “Impossible. We’ve been delivering to this address and name for three years; there have been no mistakes before.”

“Three years,” Han Mo murmured while rubbing the steering wheel.

The customer service, not wanting to take responsibility, said, “It couldn’t have been our error. Maybe the buyer misspoke. We usually deliver in the evening, so maybe no one noticed.”

Han Mo contemplated for a moment, slowly saying, “Hmm, but it’s still awkward. What should we do?”

The customer service hesitated, “Let me consult the buyer on this side.”

Han Mo said seriously, “Perhaps it’s intentional on their part. I travel a lot, and I have quite a few enemies. If you don’t tell me who it is, I might have to report it to the police.”

The customer service said, “But this has nothing to do with us!” She was a new staff member, and this order was her responsibility today. She didn’t want to cause trouble for the store.

Han Mo said, “Then tell me who the buyer is?”

The customer service couldn’t hold back and cautiously said, “The last name is Yan. Is he your… enemy?”

Han Mo’s eyes finally showed a bit of soft warmth. The resentment brought by Han Tang receded like a tide, and he calmly said, “Oh, I was worrying too much. It’s not my enemy, it’s my wife.”

The customer service breathed a sigh of relief, “I thought so. How could an enemy send flowers? And they aren’t cheap. It’s been delivered for three years; he’s your… wife?” The customer service’s voice couldn’t help but crack.

Han Mo nodded, “Yes, sorry for the trouble.”


Author’s Message:

Customer service: Customer, can you even remember your mother-in-law’s name?

Yan Yibing: ???


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